§ 2.35 p.m.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have taken note of the announcement of the President of the United States of America on February 6 of co-operation between Israel and the United States of America in researches into ways of turning salt water into fresh by means of nuclear energy and of their willingness to pool intellectual resources working on this problem with all countries of the world; and what contribution to this study Her Majesty's Government intend to offer.]
THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE MINISTER FOR SCIENCE (THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGH)My Lords, the answer to the first part 2 of the Question is, "Yes". Her Majesty's Government took note of the President's announcement; and an expert from the British Water Research Association recently paid a visit to Israel and is fully conversant with what is being done there. President Johnson referred to the International Atomic Energy Agency as a focal point in the programme for pooling experience and knowledge. The United Kingdom has been represented by two leading experts on a panel convened by the Agency and will continue to contribute the benefits of our very considerable knowledge and experience.
Of the various methods of desalination, distillation processes are the only ones so far capable in the right circumstances of economic application. They are used in a number of installations built by British firms, which are recognised throughout the world as the leading manufacturers, and have been responsible for the bulk of the installations at present in operation overseas, which are oil-fired, usually in conjunction with an electrical generating plant.
The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research have set up a Committee to consider what further help can be provided to support research in British industry in order to keep the United Kingdom in the forefront of desalinating technology. There is, in principle, no difficulty in using nuclear energy as the source of heat, and in some circumstances there could be advantage in combining a distillation plant with a nuclear power station 3 These problems are under study by the Atomic Energy Authority.
LORD REAMy Lords, is the noble Earl aware that during the debate on the Manchester Corporation water Bill the late noble and learned Lord, Lord Birkett, suggested that such desalination processes might take effect? I supported this, and added that we might also expect some improvement in getting moisture from the air. Further, is the noble Earl aware that the Minister for Science, in Volume 237, column 348 of Hansard, referred to both of these schemes as wild-cat schemes; and have the Government subsequently changed their opinion?
§ LORD CONESFORDMy Lords, are the Government aware that turning salt water into fresh water not only could save our rivers and lakes from depletion, but would confer far more benefit on the people of this country than most of the expensive projects now in fashion?
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, unfortunately, in so far as this country is concerned this is an expensive project, and there is no chance at present of water in this country being supplied by this method at under about 9s. per 1,000 gallons. In other parts of the world it is another matter, but in this country we use only about 5 per cent. of our rain water, as opposed to 95 per cent. used in Israel. I do not think that the use of this method is likely to be widespread in this country for some years.
§ LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDALMy Lords, can the Minister state to what extent there has been a study of underground storage of water? Is it not far better to store water underground rather than to take up valuable land which may be used for agriculture or for amenity and recreational purposes? An enormous tonnage of coal and minerals has been taken from underneath the ground. Why not store water underground in these places instead of on the surface where it can evaporate in hot weather?
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, we are not at present discussing the question of storage, but only of desalting.
§ EARL ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, might I ask how much it is estimated that these further researches for the use of nuclear power in connection with the operation are likely to cost? Do we have a firm assurance from the Atomic Energy Authority that nuclear power is now available and efficient with regard to this matter, or are we to get more disappointments like Dounreay?
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, I think the answer to that question is, "No". I think that is all I can say at the moment. The answer to the noble Lord's next Question may be somewhat illuminating.
§ LORD TAYLORMy Lords, did I hear the noble Earl aright? Did he say that we used only 5 per cent. of our rain water for drinking purposes or for water supply purposes? If so, it would look as though there is 95 per cent. to spare if we are to be intelligent in the use of our water resources.
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, I am most grateful to the noble Lord for having made that observation.